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Anonymous
Posted July 31, 2011
There were things I needed to while I was reading Remembrance-like eat breakfast-but I kept telling myself I would get things done after one more chapter. Lizzie and Drew have so much chemistry, even though it was sometimes hard to tell because Drew was so hot and cold. Michelle Madow's engaging writing style really sucks you into Remembrance. The character development in this book is fabulous. I loved and hated things about every single character-sometimes they were sympathetic and sometimes they were so selfish or self-absorbed that I just wondered what was wrong with them.
The emotions and imagery just leap off the pages of Remembrance. During Lizzie's flashbacks I felt like I was being transported to the regency era. I could also feel Jeremy's rage pulsating out of the novel whenever he got angry. My favorite character is probably Keelie because she never did anything to hurt anyone else, and she was clearly just a nice person. Jeremy was definitely my least favorite character because he was so obnoxious-even when I felt bad for him I still didn't like him.
Overall, Remembrance is perfect for anyone who loves romance and appreciates life-like characters. I can't wait until the rest of Michelle Madow's works are published!
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
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Posted October 19, 2011
This brought back so many memories of my junior year... It also reminded me of how much I loved reading back then, and how I would feel about certain books. I loved the story and seeing as how I was still a little smitten with it four days after I read it I think it would be safe to say I thought it was amazing. The writing is beyond great the detail to the emotions of certain points... can I just leave it at I was pretty captivated? This is one of those books I could "live in," I'm not even completely sure what I mean by that, it's not a "I'd like to be in it" type of comment. More like I wouldn't mind staying in the moment it created. Basically I didn't want it to end. I've love the idea of reincarnation and love through the ages or whatever you'd call it. Just the idea of getting a second chance at something it's perfect to me.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Posted September 30, 2011
This is a wicked good story! I really enjoyed slipping away to New Hampshire *where the story takes place*. There are great Pride & Prejudice references and I have MAJOR love for that story, so that added greatly to it. The characters are amazing and very well written, normal teenagers and very well developed. Remembrance has a story all its own and is a super fantastic read! I suggest you GET IT!! Read it and fall in LOVE!
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Posted September 21, 2011
I totally adored this book, and I'm almost 40. It's an adorable, simple, true love story. The author got the idea from a Taylor Swift video (which I made myself watch on you-tube)that was cute too. I just really liked it, and the characters. The main character Lizzie was very likable, I really liked Drew :) He sounded cute. I thought in times Lizzy repeated herself a lot, but really that was it's only flaw. I think we'll see amazing things to come from this young author, if this is already what she's producing. I truly can't wait for her next book, cause I already miss this one, now that it's over.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Posted August 19, 2011
Remembrance was kindly provided to me by the author Michelle Madow.
**Contains possible spoilers**
Lizzie Davenport is a junior in high school and has been in a long-term relationship with the newly appointed co-captain of the football team, Jeremy Williams. They have been together for a number of years but after summer break the differences between them are starting to become apparent.
When Drew Carmichael moves to town, there is an instant connection between him and Lizzie but he continues to push her away and treat her badly he then begins to date her best friend Chelsea Givens all the while giving Lizzie mixed signals with sidelong glances and helping her with her French studies etc.
Persistent Lizzie never gave up though and starts to question unusual memories of her and Drew from the Regency Era, England. There is a pull between them that she can't ignore and all she wants to know is why she feels she knows him from another time.
When it is soon revealed they were a couple in a past life, now reincarnated I was fascinated by this storyline and was eager to know more about their previous life together, it is a wonderfully woven and complex love story that kept me turning the pages to find out more.
The story flowed well, I enjoyed the tangled, complicated love story Ms Madow has created and felt for each of the characters and the predicament they were in.
The scenes between Drew and Lizzie are wonderfully romantic; especially the dance they share when there is a flashback of their shared past, this is when I felt they were truly meant to be together despite all of the obstacles in their way.
I enjoyed the main characters but felt the way in which Lizzie was treated by Jeremy and Chelsea was terrible, they walked over her and she seemed to let them; Drew initially wasn't any better but his reasoning made more sense - he was trying to push her away. I enjoyed the inclusion of Alistair from the mask store and how he subtly tried to give hints to Lizzie; I also liked the Pride and Prejudice references, I thought it was a nice touch.
Remembrance is a beautiful love story with a unique and original spin on reincarnation and I really liked Ms Madow's writing style and enjoyable dialogue.
The only small complaint I have was why Drew & Lizzie felt the need to immediately announce their relationship, I wish they had of allowed their respective break-ups to settle a while before being together taking into consideration who they were hurting; I was hoping there would be a friendship mend between Chelsea and Lizzie considering their history.
All in all, I really enjoyed Remembrance and I look forward to reading more books written by this wonderful author.
3 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.My Thoughts: (I gave the book 4 Stars)
I feel completely in love with this book from the start. I am such a suckers for a sappy love story and Remembrance is just that with a twist. The book starts out where a new boy, Drew joins the school where Lizzie the female lead character attends. Drew Carmichael just transfers from a school in NY and meets Lizzie on his first day. Lizzie feels strangely drawn to Drew like she knows him from some where even know she has never meet him before. After that day weird things start happening to Lizzie. She has a project for class to draw a scene from Pride and Prejudice - But once Lizzie looks up from what she was drawing she was amazed of what she saw...(I won't spoil it). She starts to feel not connected to her long time boyfriend anymore and every time she is near Drew she feel so oddly more connected to him but does not understand why she keeps feeling this way even thought Drew is pushing Lizzie away. One of the main reason why is because he is dating Lizzie BFF, Chelsea. More and more Drew keeps away for Lizzie and she does not understand what is going on.... she feel like there is more than he is telling her. Besides all of this going on, now she is having flashes of memory from a past or of her past? Lizzie cannot be sure of anything anymore, why she is remembering things in the past that are not her memories and why she feels so drawn to Drew, but mostly why he acts so cold towards her. Well the answers lie within this amazing novel written by Michelle Madow. I adored this book and I think it would be a fast, fun and exciting read for any age group. There were parts where I just wanted to smack drew or cry for Lizzie. I loved being able to feel so many different emotions during the process of reading Remembrance. I just love stories of past lives they are so unique and refreshing to me to read. I really enjoyed reading it and I think my readers will to. I would love to applaud Michelle for such a brilliant novel and I am glad I had the opportunity to read and review your book for you!
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Posted April 27, 2012
this book was really good but slow at the beginning. It was also kinda confusing but at the end it was really good! Cant wait to read the second!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted March 10, 2012
I love this book! It's beautiful, and I couldn't put it down while reading. I needed to find out what happened next, so much that I stayed up later than I should have on a school night! I liked how the main guy didn't turn out to be a supernatural creature. This seems to be happening way too often nowadays, and I like how Drew was just a normal human who happened to be going through the same thing as Lizzie. Lizzie was great too -- she seems like a real life teen, and I could relate to her. She's not perfect, but she's lovable in a sweet way. I also thought the secondary characters were done well. Keelie was one of my favorites.
This book was mainly contemporary, but there was still a paranormal twist in the form of reincarnation. The reincarnation was done beautifully, and I especially loved the Pride and Prejudice parallels throughout the book. I liked how Michelle Madow made reincarnation her own. I especially loved Alistair, and hope to see more of him in the upcoming books. Michelle Madow is so talented; I was sucked into her writing while reading. I can't wait to read her upcoming books in the future!
FIVE STARS. If you don't own Remembrance, BUY IT NOW! Fans of Hush, Hush, Twilight, and Fallen will love this book. A must read. You will be glad you picked up this amazing book!
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.I thought Remembrance sounded intriguing, but I didn't expect to love it as much as I did!
I really liked Lizzie. She was cute and sweet. Not exactly my favorite heroine of all time, but still up there. She had some serious indecisiveness going on, and that kind of things grates on me personally. But happily, in the end I knew I really liked her. It was her relatability that made her stand out and be special.
I really like the name Andrew, so I was somewhat upset that he goes by Drew. This is, however, a totally minor thing. Drew is probably my favorite character from Remembrance. I love how he's so protective of Lizzie--it goes to show that he really does love and care about her. The mistakes he makes make him seem stronger and all the more real.
Jeremy was a layered character. I completely wrote him off at first, but he surprised me. I didn't expect to find out some things about him that I did, and I most certainly didn't expect him to have such an important role in the story. I found myself pitying him but also admiring him in a strange way.
Ah, Chelsea. I really didn't like Chelsea. I kind of hated her, if I'm honest. But I can't love every character ever, and I didn't love her. For most of the book I kind of wanted to slap her upside the head. She was annoying and far more selfish than any three people put together should be.
I'm usually not a fan of reincarnation or soul mates, because it doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me. But for some reason, Michelle managed to make me accept the idea. Everything clicks into place flawlessly. The past lives meld with the present in a way that somehow manages to work. It is understandable--I didn't feel lost or confused more than I should have. Things that weren't stated outright were clear enough to see. In general, I liked the plot. It kept me interested. That's how good and intriguing the plot of this book was. I almost never felt bored, and when I was bored the action quickly picked back up.
There were a few things I didn't like, like how Lizzie's single mother doesn't care where she is or what she does. There's too much of this in YA, and I don't like these mysteriously absent-or-don't-give-a-damn parents. It's just too unrealistic.
Oh, the romance here was so sweet. Unfortunately, it was a little underdeveloped, but this didn't take away from its beauty at all. The moments between Drew and Lizzie are just so sweet. The love triangles worked in this story as well--there are times when they don't, but in this case they needed to be ere exactly as they were. There's an especially tender moment near the end of the book that I really loved, and Drew and Lizzie's first "date" is going to always be one of my favorite romantic moments in the books. I found it completely gorgeous and absolutely lovely--the chemistry between them was undeniable.
Michelle has excellent writing! Lizzie's voice is contemporary and easy--it flows and sounds natural, not forced. She sounds like any normal high school girl would, but with her own distinct little something. Overall, Remembrance was well-written.
The ending of Remembrance was so sweet! The ending was pleasant to read. It is redeemed in the last few lines, which are a bit sappy but so sweet I couldn't mind. I genuinely liked this ending, and it definitely left me wanting more.
Remembrance has left me aching in a good way. Reading the next books will be no chore.
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.MrBookWonder
Posted March 1, 2012
This book caught me by surprise! Not only that it’s inspiration was from Taylor Swift’s Love Story music video but it was indeed enchanting though the beginning had a slow start. Leastwise, it didn’t fail me. Up until now, the scenes were still fresh in my mind. I was really engrossed and just wanted to finish it.
Remembrance was quick and easy to love yet compelling. Madow wrote words that were simple yet full of real emotions thus bringing out an understandable story of love, passion, and magic. I loved the idea of incorporating Pride and Prejudice, and adding some historical facts too. It truly blended with the theme of reincarnation. Madow did make a great effort of researching about reincarnation and past lives. The blend of the parallel universe of past and present were perfectly paced.
I loved the characters in the story. I truly felt Lizzie’s emotions and not to the extent of overmuch. Her voice was natural and pleasing without flowery speech. Her flashbacks were vividly written free from ruining the past and present. Drew was almost a perfect male lead, handsome, charming, smart, and rich. He tended to be arrogant to protect Lizzie from the worst thing of the past that gave way to their returning to another life. The connection between Lizzie and Drew were so magical. Their love for each other were surreal and beautiful. I believe that you can’t just ignore your feelings towards the one you truly love because it is much harder and painful in the end.
The supporting characters as well were great components to the story. They were almost life-like and flawed. Madow did balance the characters both as best friends and enemies. She made Chelsea and Jeremy illusions of the past, perhaps they have their own past lives and I can’t wait to find out. I can’t wait for more of the Transcend Time Saga.
Remembrance is a one of a kind fairy tale with a fuse of the contradicting destiny. It will truly leave you believing in true love and second chances. If you believe in fairy tales, Remembrance is for you. If you believe in reincarnation, Remembrance is for you. If you believe that love could transcend time, Remembrance is definitely for you. A highly recommended debut love story.
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Visit Mr. Book Wonder for more of reviews.
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Posted February 22, 2012
I would like to start this review by suggesting that you click on the links above and purchase this book. Michelle Madow has a knack for writing a very good love story. One that makes your heart flutter and feel butterflies in your stomach. Just like the first time you fell in love.
Lizzie Davenport is a normal high school student or so she thinks. She likes art has a boyfriend Jeremy who is on the soccer team and a best friend Chelsea. But on the first day of school when Drew walks into the classroom he suddenly feels very familiar to her. Like she knows him. But she can't seem to place where she could possibly know him from. Lizzie's boyfriend isn't really paying her any attention. He is more concerned with his social status at the school and worse yet Lizzie's best friend Chelsea starts dating Drew. Lizzie can't help but feel a connection to Drew but she isn't sure why. Then at the school dance while dancing with Drew Lizzie has a flashback of how they met. They met during the Regency Era in the 1800's. But is that even possible? What will this mean for her relationship with her boyfriend and with her best friend?
This book was based on Taylor Swift's song Love Story which happens to be one of my favorite songs. Drew was also named after Drew from Taylor's song Teardrops on my Guitar. While reading this book I couldn't help but picture Taylor as Lizzie. Go HERE to enter Michelle's Tell Taylor Giveaway
This book is a easy simple read. However it pulls you in. I was unable to put it down. I even found myself waking up last night to continue reading. The characters are very well developed even the minor characters who don't play a huge role in the story. This was definitely a book made for me. It is about past loves and second chances. I instantly fell in love with Drew and I know you will too. Always and Forever.
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Azanta
Posted January 3, 2012
Amazing. That's the one word I would choose to describe this book if asked. Michelle Madow had her inspiration of this book from Taylor Swift's song Love Story, and she gave a whole other name to love. She created a scene before your eyes, a story you could've never described.
This book is about a young girl, Lizzie Davenport, who was once a young girl from the Regency Era, is now reborn again as a normal junior in New Hampshire. But she hasn't figured that out yet. Until...
Until Drew Carmichael transfers to her school. Little does she know, Drew used to be a part of her past life, the one she hasn't discovered yet, a big part. In fact, he was the whole reason she and him were reborn again. It's perfect, love at first sight, all that stuff.
Except... One tiny little detail. Drew can't be with her. But, his moving to New Hampshire triggers something in Lizzie's memory, and she starts to discover something within her that wasn't there before, such as one day being absolutely horrible at French, and the next, perfectly fluent. Or playing the piano professionaly when she hasn't ever played once in her life before. No matter how much Lizzie tries to talk to Drew about her newfound abilities and feelings for him though, it just doesn't work out because 1. she has a boyfriend and, 2. her best friend is dating him. But... (You have to read the book to find out what happens next ;) )
My feelings for this book: I was in love. I read constantly, I literally hold a record at school. But as for this book, I've never read any faster in my life, for I was so content on knowing what happened. In fact, I read so fast, that I had to read it again to clearly get what was going on. I loved it even more the second time. This doesn't happen to me often, where I fall in love with a book this much. It's only happened 3 times, once for the Iron Fey, once for the Hunger Games, and lastly for the Twilight Saga. If anything, this has to be among my favorites. I think they should make a movie out of this book, because it would be an instant hit. Miss Madow's debut novel was amazing, absolutely... um... I don't think there's a word on how to describe how great this book was. Thanks for writing this book, Michelle. It holds a special place in my favorites. Right after I read it, there was an excerpt of Vengeance at the end. It was so breathtaking, that I right away went to the Nook store and bought Vengeance without a second thought about it. I remember finishing it all in one night, and faintly hearing my mother yelling at me to put my Nook down... So, definitely read it!!
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Posted December 14, 2011
I loved this book! I had so much fun living through Lizzie as I read it. This is a book I will recommend to all my friends!!
I loved that the book took place in high school, junior year. Junior year was a fun and memorable year for me so it's always fun to think back on that time and see it from another's perspective. Michelle does a really amazing job with the details of high school life. She brought up little things that many of us can relate to but may have forgotten. It just made the read real and enjoyable.
Lizzie has a boyfriend named Jeremy. They've known each other for years and have been together for 3 years I think. That's a long time in junior high/ high school years. The book doesn't actually talk about this, but the situations made me think it:t When you're in high school, don't stay with a guy that puts you down, even jokingly, and don't stay with someone just because it's easy or you've been dating for a long time if you're not happy. Ok, I don't want to get on a soap box so . . . nuff said about not dating jerks. :) I just felt that the situations and feelings Lizzie had in this book are very real. There are probably lots of girls out their dating guys that feed on their insecurities.
On to Drew. Mysterious. Attractive. He reminds me of Edward from Twilight. He sends mixed signals to Lizzie, and she just can't figure him out. I don't believe in reincarnation, neither does the author, but it made for a really fun fiction. A romantic idea really. I loved it.
There was more tense excitement than I expected. It was really fun and exciting, especially towards the end. You have to go read it!! Right now!
The next book, Vengeance, is a novella (short novel) from the point of view of Chelsea, the best friend.
Happy Reading!
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Lizzie¿s life changed as she knew it the moment she saw the new student Drew on the first day of school. She felt a connection with him like she knew him from somewhere but she couldn¿t have. Lizzie¿s best friend Chelsea took an interest in him and Lizzie was bothered by this. She couldn¿t express her feelings because she didn¿t understand them herself, not to mention she had a longtime boyfriend, Jeremy. Lizzie and Drew couldn¿t fight fate for long before Lizzie had begun seeing flashes from their past lives. She realized they were connected deeper than she could have ever imagined; reincarnation.
This book had me completely entranced. I couldn¿t stop turning the pages. Michelle Madow¿s words flowed beautifully making it so I couldn¿t put it down. It kept my interest from the very beginning and I love it when author¿s can do that. There are some great books I have read but it takes at least one hundred pages before the book gets interesting and in that time I can get distracted. When the author completely has me from the very beginning I absolutely love that!
I also thought it was really cool that the book was inspired by Taylor Swift¿s music video, Love Story. The author saw this video and created the story behind it. That is just awesome. I think if Taylor Swift was to read this book she would be honored. Taylor Swift created a magical music video and Michelle Madow expanded that magic into a whole story.
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.OMG and Epic is what comes to mind when I think about this book. I have read a lot of reincarnation stories but this one is totally EPIC! Michelle has taken and weaved two stories into one and it works.
I have been wanting to read this book for some time because of the cover. I love Masquerade masks. This cover is of a beautiful girl wearing a rare Masquerade mask that is gold and has rubies in it. This book screams to the readers to pick it up and I was glad I did. I am so glad I did not pass it by.
So without further ado here goes my review without giving away to much. Lizzie is starting her junior year of high school with her boyfriend Jeremy and her best friend Chelsa. She is so excited to be starting the year off with them and hoping she gets good grades for college when on the first day of school she meets the new boy in town. Tall dark and GORGEOUS!
It is all Lizzie can do to get a grip on herself because she is instantly attracted to him and wants him all to herself. The only problem is that her best friend Chelsa has her eyes on him to and the new boy Drew starts dating Chelsa. What is a girl to do about those feelings? What is she supposed to think when Drew starts acting funny around her and hinting that he wants her?
Lord this story had so many up and downs and had me at the edge of my seat screaming and wanting more. The ending was totally EPIC and I need the second book right away. Lizzie, Jeremy, Chelsa, and Drew's worlds collide and when they do they all must make choices and decisions that will break someones heart and will tear up relationships and friendships. What would you do if you knew deep down in your heart you loved someone? Would you love them or leave them..... Read the book to find the answer to that question.
The good thing about reading this book right now is that you do not have long to wait for the second book Vengeance coming out December 08, 2011.
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Andreat78
Posted October 27, 2011
I don't know why, but I always want to start my reviews with a one-word summary of the book. Not easy to do if you just feel "Meh" about the book, or worse, you hated it. But when you really enjoy or are swept away by, it's astonishing how easy it is. My one-word summary for Remembrance is ENCHANTING.
Remembrance swept me up and carried me away on a romantic, exhilarating ride. The ride started with the cover. This cover is just simply beautiful and full of promises. I've seen bloggers get aggravated because people like me talk about covers. And yes, I know "You can't judge a book by it's cover". I am a firm believer that for people, no it's not right. But for books? Oh yes, you can judge a book by it's cover. And the cover for Remembrance is spectacular. In fact, I noticed it a few months before the author asked me to review the book.
Once I began reading Remembrance, the joyful ride continued. Michelle Madow's writing has such an ease about it. I don't know if it's her natural writing style or if it was polished until it shined, but every word, every gesture, every nuance was perfectly placed. That perfection made Remembrance such an easy, enjoyable read.
I learned before reading Remembrance that one of the inspirations was Pride and Prejudice. I love that book, it's without a doubt my favorite from Jane Austen. I enjoyed being able to pick up on the influence while reading and loved the references to P & P from main character, Liz.
Speaking of Liz, I have to say that I loved the characters in Remembrance. Except the ones I didn't, but I'm pretty sure that was the author's intentions. Liz is what you find in a lot of YA heroines. She's bright, brave and reliable. Liz's love interest Drew was sexy, charming (sometimes) and romantic. Because of his actions at the beginning of Remembrance, I was afraid that I wouldn't warm to him. But as the story unfolded, Drew's motivation became clear and understandable.
The main arc of Remembrance is the hidden past/connection between Drew and Liz. The handling of that connection could have gone very wrong and become frustrating. Luckily, Madow handled it just right. As a reader, you know immediately about the bond between the two, but you don't know exactly what it is. The author builds the understanding at a nice pace. She gives Liz, and the reader, enough insight that any possible frustration is held at bay. Bit by bit, the realizations come, leaving you hanging on and wanting more.
Because of the slow reveal, I found Remembrance impossible to put down. Desperate to learn the whole truth, I kept telling myself "One more chapter". But I just couldn't stop. In fact, I stayed up way past my bedtime. Actually, I never went to bed. If you must know, a zombie who somewhat resembles me is typing this review.
Remembrance is the perfect book if you're looking for a girly, swoony (but not over the top) romance. Just be sure you don't start it close to bedtime.
Favorite Quote:
"My feelings for Drew couldn't just disappear. They were ingrained within every fiber of my being, and I needed them just the same as I needed air to breathe."
* I received a copy of Remembrance from the author, in exchange for an honest review.*
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Taryn_Browning
Posted October 24, 2011
As soon as I saw the cover, I had to read REMEMBRANCE. The cover is one of the most beautiful covers I've ever seen and the story is just as gorgeous. The mask draws you in, but the words, characters and storyline keep you wanting more. I loved it! Madow has created a captivating romance between lovers across time with a unique twist on reincarnation and the fate of finding true love for the second time in another lifetime - even when it ended tragically the first time. Inspired by Taylor Swift's Love Story video, the protagonist, Lizzie, has been reincarnated from Regency Era, England but is unaware of her past life. She doesn't understand why she feels so connected to the new guy, Drew, especially since she already has a boyfriend - who happens to be quite controlling. Readers will find Lizzie down-to-earth and relatable. She is very likeable and someone I would have loved to be friends with in high school. I rooted for Lizzie and Drew from the very first chapter, even when it appeared as if they'd never be together. As for Drew - well, he is totally gorgeous, and not just on the outside. He struggles with his feelings for Lizzie and it shows through his actions. Whether he is doing everything to push her away, dating her best friend, or giving into his feelings, Drew is downright swoon-worthy and I can't wait to read more about him and his past life. I definitely recommend Madow's debut novel to any age, pre-teen through adult. It is an amazing love story that will tug at your heart and keep you wondering what is going to happen next. It's a must read. I look forward to delving deeper into Lizzie and Drew's pasts, including the complications that test relationships, fate, life and even death, in the upcoming books in the TRANSCEND TIME Saga.
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.ReadingVacation
Posted October 14, 2011
Remembrance is a story of love that transcends time. It is a story of a couple who belong together, no matter where or when their paths cross. A story that is presented in such a way, that I became entranced with the idea of reincarnated love.
I imagine this is pretty typical of what goes on in high school romances and that is why I liked it so much. Lizzie is dating Jeremy and she has a crush on Drew; and Drew is dating Chelsea, but he has a crush on Lizzie. Ha! On the surface, Lizzie is a dreamer, Jeremy is stuck up, Drew is evasive, and Chelsea is a tease. Look a little deeper though, and you'll see there is more to each of them.
The element of reincarnation is presented as flashbacks to the Regency Era of England. Lizzie has these fantastic flashbacks to a life she lived back in that era. Not only that, but Drew begins to share with her his own flashbacks from the same era. These vivid scenes overlay the current scenes bringing the past into the present. It's wonderful.
Michelle Madow's debut has an enchanting quality that left me feeling as though everyone has a true love that they are destined to be with.
RATING
5 Loved
COVER COMMENTS
One of 2011's best covers! The masquerade mask is right out of the big party scene. Lizzie looks mysterious and pretty at the same time.
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.I literally just put the book down seconds ago. Jumping right into my review was definitely a must. I simply couldn't wait to gush about how much I loved it! Words I often use for books like these... Brilliant.. Amazing... Unforgettable.. I could go on and on! Everything I consider as "must haves" in a story... this book had it... and more! There's no doubt in my mind that Remembrance deserves to be ranked amongst my most adored reads. My two favorite parts of this book... the strong and beautiful lead personality that you simply can't help but fall for and of course the ever so irresistible, utterly mysterious, yet incredibly sweet love interest! Is there a Team Drew yet? If not... I'm so making one! Who doesn't love a good love triangle! I'm addicted to them it seems! :) The whole theory of love transcending time and past lives... I can literally feel my heart flutter just thinking about it! With a light and simple writing style that screams comforting... a story that buildings and builds till the very end... and an ending.... Oh wow the ending.. *prepare the tissues* and hold your breath! Those last few chapters are intense! But I'll guarantee you this... you'll be smiling once you've finished that last page. Gotta love when books leave you with that warm happy feeling inside! I know I do! : ) I'm giving this book five stars and more!!! I'll be rereading this book again soon! That's for sure!
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.If you've ever asked the question "Is there such thing as a soul mate?" then this book is for you. It will open your eyes to this possibility. I can honestly say, I fell in love with this book after the intro. Secret rendezvous? (sigh) How could you not fall in love with Drew right at that moment? I'm such a sucker for forbidden romance. Madow has such an eye for detail. For example, her descriptions of Elizabeth's different sketches. I could picture them in my mind as I was reading them. I loved how Michelle Madow mixed in Elizabeth's memories of the past, with events that were happening in the present. Madow puts so much emotion into her characters, you can't help but feel the hurt and disappointment Elizabeth feels when Drew constantly tells her to stay away from him. Madow does a fantastic job of keeping the readers on their toes, wondering what the deal with Drew is. Is he a good guy? If so, why is he being such a jerk? I found myself saying out loud, to no one in particular, "OMG! What is your problem, man!" And don't EVEN get me started on Jeremy. I love that I felt so much emotion for her characters. The interaction between Drew and Elizabeth reminded me of how I felt on the first few dates with a guy I was really into. How you could totally tell how close in proximity you were by the heat radiating off his arm, and how it's so true how you can feel every single move he makes.shifting his arm.flexing his hand.scratching his.well you get the idea! And awwwwww at the movie scene! You'll have to read it to know what I mean, but you will awwwww too! I did have to break out the tissue (seriously!). The scene in the music room brought tears to my eyes. It took me back to highschool. I was literally her (or she was me? Hmmm). It was also over a guy. I remember feeling what Elizabeth was feeling, asking myself similar questions, re-enacting the same scenes in my head. It was so heart breaking because at this point in the book, I could totally and completely relate to Elizabeth. I mean, who hasn't had a guy who they thought was their soul mate? Or who was totally into a guy who was being a complete jerk to you? I would recommend this book to anyone who loves romance, who isn't embarrassed of talking to their book, or is in search of their soul mate. Michelle Madow will take you on an emotional roller coaster ride that you won't soon forget. I am looking forward to see what she has in store for us in the future.
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Overview
Then Drew Carmichael transfers into Lizzie's high school, and she feels a connection to him, almost like she knows him. She can't stop thinking about him, but whenever she tries talking with him about the mysteries behind her feelings, he makes it clear that he wants nothing to do with her. Reaching him is even more difficult because she has a ...